Game audio a major focus at AES 137

The 137th International Audio Engineering Society (AES) Convention is set to feature a comprehensive set of game audio programmes and events focusing on audio trends and issues in the gaming industry.

Marty O’Donnell (pictured), a director and composer best known for his work on games by developer Bungie, such as Myth, Oni and Halo, has been chosen to give this year’s Heyser Memorial Lecture, entitled 'The Ear Doesn’t Blink: Creating Culture with Adaptive Audio'.

Steve Martz, chairman of the AES's 'Game Audio Track', says he has assembled "a compelling and highly inclusive series of panels, sessions and presentations that address the many dimensions of this complex sector of professional audio". A special highlight will be 'Diablo III: Reaper of Souls, The Devil is in the Details'. a panel that will closely examine how the audio team behind the Blizzard Entertainment title Diablo III: Reaper of Souls created the entire audio soundscape for the game.

“We’ve strived to include some very practical sessions; ones that will provide career and learning guidance," Martz comments. "The Game Audio Track will include an entire career development session, 'Game Audio Careers 101 – How to jump start your career', and a session on the state of game audio education that will bring together entrepreneurs from some of the top private instructional institutions to discuss the latest educational models and best practices in audio for interactive game media."